U.S. patent number 9,174,143 [Application Number 14/156,954] was granted by the patent office on 2015-11-03 for recovery of water from exhaust gas.
The grantee listed for this patent is Alexander Borla, Peter Hofbauer. Invention is credited to Alexander Borla, Peter Hofbauer.
United States Patent |
9,174,143 |
Borla , et al. |
November 3, 2015 |
Recovery of water from exhaust gas
Abstract
A system for recovering water from exhaust gasses, including a
chamber having a first section for diverting and cooling a portion
of the exhaust gases, and a second section for removing drinking
water from the cooled gases. The first section slows down the flow
rate of the diverted portion of exhaust gases and includes spaced
apart helical tubes through which is passed a cooling fluid. The
second section includes spaced apart helical tubes having a fluid
permeable sidewall for travel of water from the exhaust gasses into
the interior of the tubes of the second section. The tubes of the
second section are coated on the exterior thereof with a porous
material that promotes migration of drinking water from the
exterior to the interior of the tubes.
Inventors: |
Borla; Alexander (Johnson City,
TN), Hofbauer; Peter (West Bloomfield, MI) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Borla; Alexander
Hofbauer; Peter |
Johnson City
West Bloomfield |
TN
MI |
US
US |
|
|
Family
ID: |
54352590 |
Appl.
No.: |
14/156,954 |
Filed: |
January 16, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
|
61754673 |
Jan 21, 2013 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01D
5/0006 (20130101); B01D 53/002 (20130101); B01D
53/30 (20130101); B01D 53/0407 (20130101); B01D
5/0003 (20130101); B01D 5/0033 (20130101); E03B
3/28 (20130101); Y02A 20/00 (20180101); B01D
2258/0283 (20130101); B01D 2257/80 (20130101); Y02A
20/109 (20180101) |
Current International
Class: |
B01D
53/00 (20060101); B01D 5/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;261/154,157,158,159,160,161,DIG.10 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Bushey; Charles
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Luedeka Neely Group, PC
Parent Case Text
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application
No. 61/754,673 filed Jan. 21, 2013, and entitled RECOVERY OF WATER
FROM EXHAUST GAS, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A system for recovering water from exhaust gases, the system
comprising: an exhaust flow path configured for having exhaust
gases flow therethrough at a first velocity and a first
temperature; a valve within the exhaust flow path; and a chamber
adjacent to the exhaust flow path providing an enclosed flow area
in flow communication with the exhaust flow path, wherein the valve
is operable to divert a portion of the exhaust gases from exhaust
flow path for travel into the chamber, the chamber having: a first
section into which the diverted exhaust gases expand and slow down
to a second velocity that is slower than the first velocity, the
first section including cooling surfaces to reduce the temperature
of the diverted exhaust gases to a temperature that is less than
the first temperature; and a second section in flow communication
with the first section for receiving flow of diverted and cooled
exhaust gases from the first section, the second section including
a plurality of fluid permeable tubes having a porous external
coating thereon for contacting the diverted and cooled exhaust
gases, wherein the diverted and cooled exhaust gases condense on
the tubes to yield liquid water which travels to interior portions
of the tubes for recovery to yield recovered water.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first section includes spaced
apart helical cooling tubes through which is passed a cooling
fluid.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the tubes of the fluid permeable
tubes of the second section are spaced apart tubes and the tubes
have a fluid permeable sidewall coated on the exterior thereof with
a porous material that promotes migration of water from the
exterior to the interior of the tubes.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the recovered water comprises
potable water.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the valve is adjustable and
controlled by an electronic controller to restrict or open the
exhaust flow path to adjust the amount of gases diverted to the
chamber.
6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a pump and a radiator
in flow communication with the first section of the chamber and the
second section of the chamber, wherein the recovered water is
directed to the radiator for cooling and the cooled recovered water
is directed to the cooling surfaces.
7. A system for recovering water from exhaust gases, the system
comprising: an exhaust flow path configured for having exhaust
gases flow therethrough at a first velocity and a first
temperature; a valve within the exhaust flow path; and a chamber
adjacent to the exhaust flow path providing an enclosed flow area
in flow communication with the exhaust flow path, wherein the valve
is operable to divert a portion of the exhaust gases from exhaust
flow path for travel into the chamber, the chamber having: a first
section into which the diverted exhaust gases expand and slow down
to a second velocity that is slower than the first velocity, the
first section including spaced apart helical cooling tubes through
which is passed a cooling fluid to reduce the temperature of the
diverted exhaust gases to a temperature that is less than the first
temperature; and a second section in flow communication with the
first section for receiving flow of diverted and cooled exhaust
gases from the first section, the second section including a
plurality of tubes having a fluid permeable sidewall coated on the
exterior thereof with a porous material that promotes migration of
water from the exterior to the interior of the tubes thereon for
contacting the diverted and cooled exhaust gases, wherein the
diverted and cooled exhaust gases condense on the tubes to yield
liquid water which travels through the porous material to interior
portions of the tubes for recovery to yield recovered potable
water.
Description
FIELD
This disclosure relates to the field of recovering low acidic water
from exhaust gases generated by the high temperature combustion of
hydrocarbons, as by the operation of burners of heating or cooking
systems or thermodynamic machines driven by high temperature
combustion as gas turbines. More particularly, this disclosure
relates to methods and for improving the yield of low acidic and
low corrosive water from exhaust gases.
BACKGROUND
Improvement is desired in the recovery of low acidic and low
corrosive water with drinking water from exhaust gases. The
combustion of hydrocarbons generates steam and water. Also,
injecting water for reducing the NO.sub.X emissions can contribute
additional water to exhaust gases. The water, whether in liquid or
steam form, is expelled through the exhaust system as waste. While
in the exhaust system, steam and water combines with other
chemicals, creating toxic caustic pollution. A condensate from such
an exhaust gas is also very acidic and corrosive.
There have been a number of attempts to remove and reclaim water
from exhaust gases. These attempts typically depend on condensation
by using a heat exchanger, cooled externally or by refrigeration or
both. Water is collected in condensing collectors and trapped for
removal. But the condensate created by such heat exchangers is also
very acidic and corrosive and cannot be used as drinking water or
for cooling purposes, such as in a radiator for the combustion in
machines, as the corrosive nature of the water will corrode the
radiator.
Accordingly, there is a need for methods and apparatus that
improves the removal of low acidic and low corrosive water from
exhaust gases.
SUMMARY
The disclosure advantageously provides a system for recovering
water from exhaust gasses.
In one aspect, the system includes an exhaust flow path configured
for having exhaust gases flow therethrough at a first velocity and
a first temperature; a valve within the exhaust flow path; and a
chamber adjacent to the exhaust flow path providing a enclosed flow
area in flow communication with the exhaust flow path. The valve is
operable to divert a portion of the exhaust gases from exhaust flow
path for travel into the chamber.
The chamber includes a first section into which the diverted
exhaust gases expand and slow down to a second velocity that is
slower than the first velocity. The first section includes cooling
surfaces to reduce the temperature of the diverted exhaust gases to
a temperature that is less than the first temperature.
The chamber includes a second section in flow communication with
the first section for receiving flow of diverted and cooled exhaust
gases from the first section. The second section includes a
plurality of fluid permeable tubes having a porous external coating
thereon for contacting the diverted and cooled exhaust gases. The
diverted and cooled exhaust gases condense on the tubes to yield
liquid water which travels to interior portions of the tubes for
recovery to yield recovered water.
In another aspect, the system includes an exhaust flow path
configured for having exhaust gases flow therethrough at a first
velocity and a first temperature; a valve within the exhaust flow
path; and a chamber adjacent to the exhaust flow path providing an
enclosed flow area in flow communication with the exhaust flow
path. The valve is operable to divert a portion of the exhaust
gases from exhaust flow path for travel into the chamber.
The chamber includes a first section into which the diverted
exhaust gases expand and slow down to a second velocity that is
slower than the first velocity. The first section includes spaced
apart helical cooling tubes through which is passed a cooling fluid
to reduce the temperature of the diverted exhaust gases to a
temperature that is less than the first temperature.
The chamber includes a second section in flow communication with
the first section for receiving flow of diverted and cooled exhaust
gases from the first section. The second section includes a
plurality of tubes having a fluid permeable sidewall coated on the
exterior thereof with a porous material that promotes migration of
water from the exterior to the interior of the tubes thereon for
contacting the diverted and cooled exhaust gases. The diverted and
cooled exhaust gases condense on the tubes to yield liquid water
which travels through the porous material to interior portions of
the tubes for recovery to yield recovered potable water.
Systems according to the disclosure are configured to cooperate
with an exhaust system and advantageously divert, slow down, and
cool a portion of the exhaust gases, and to then remove water from
such diverted and cooled gases to enhance the recovery of drinking
water from exhaust gases as compared to conventional systems.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Further advantages of the disclosure are apparent by reference to
the detailed description when considered in conjunction with the
figures, which are not to scale so as to more clearly show the
details, wherein like reference numbers indicate like elements
throughout the several views, and wherein:
FIG. 1 shows features of a drinking water recovery system according
to the disclosure.
FIG. 2 shows additional features of a drinking water recovery
system according to the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
With reference to FIG. 1, the disclosure relates to a system 10 for
recovering drinking water from hot exhaust gases 12. As used
herein, the terminology drinking water will be understood to mean
potable water that may be consumed or used with low risk of
immediate or long term harm. Such water is also suitable for use in
a cooling system, such as a radiator.
The hot gases 12 may be gases generated by the high temperature
combustion of hydrocarbons, such as by the operation of burners of
heating or cooking systems or thermodynamic machines driven by high
temperature combustion as gas turbines. Typically, the hot exhaust
gases 12 have a temperature of from about 400 degrees C. to about
650 degrees C.
For example, the system 10 may be installed in an exhaust flow path
14 that directs the exhaust gasses 12 from a burner or an engine to
recover water and thereby remove water from the exhaust gasses 12.
The system 10 is configured to first divert, slow down, and cool a
portion of the exhaust gases, and to then remove drinking water
from such diverted and cooled gases.
The system 10 includes a chamber 20 providing an enclosed flow area
in flow communication with the exhaust flow path 14. The chamber 20
is preferably segregated into first and second chamber sections 20a
and 20b, respectively, by a controlled restrictor or valve 22. The
chamber section 20a is configured for cooling the exhaust gasses 12
and contains a plurality of helical tubes 24. As indicated by arrow
26, coolant fluid (liquid or gas) is passed through the helical
tubes 24 and exhaust gasses 12 in the first chamber section 20a are
passed to the outside of the helical tubes 24, as a laminar flow
with a high heat transfer coefficient, to condition and cool the
this part of the exhaust of the flow path 14 to a temperature
between 150.degree. C. and 250.degree. C.
The coolant fluid, as indicated by arrow 26', may then be routed
for recovery, such as to a heat exchanger radiator, to cool the
fluid for subsequent re-use. The thus cooled or conditioned exhaust
gas then travels to the second chamber section 20b from the outside
of helical tubes 30. Then, the conditioned exhaust gases are passed
through the helical tubes 30 where a capillary distillation (with a
molecular sieve) with a ceramic coating 30a takes place to recover
drinking water from the exhaust gases.
The valve 22 is preferably automatically controlled as by an
electronic controller to restrict or open the flow path 14. The
flow path 14 is adjusted a desired amount based on predetermined
criteria, and with consideration given to minimizing excessive
backpressure. In this regard, the adjustment to the flow path 14 is
made to desirably reduce the speed of the exhaust gases within the
chamber 20, which controls the desired amount of drinking water
from the exhaust gases. A series of sensors may be positioned at
various locations within the system 10 to provide feedback to a
computer controller. For example, various sensors may be provided
for sensing various process conditions, such as temperature, flow,
pressure, humidity, recovery tank water level, tube clogging, and
the like.
The tubes 24 have impermeable sidewalls and may have a rectangular
or other cross section and are desirably wound into a helical
cylinder. The tubes 24 are spaced apart by a gap distance D
selected to enhance cooling of the exhaust gases 12. The gap
distance D is desirably selected to be from about 0.5 mm to about
0.8 mm to create a laminar flow with a high heat transfer
coefficient, in the case of the tubes 24 being of rectangular cross
section, with the gap distance D representing the distance between
adjacent major sides. The cross sections of the tubes 24 are
desirably optimized for increased surface area.
The second chamber section 20b has a plurality of permeable
sidewall helical tubes 30, with each of the tubes 30 having a
porous layer of coating 30a. The resulting drinking water is
collected inside of tubes 30. The tubes 30 may be made of steel and
include preferably uniformly spaced apertures or pores in the
sidewalls thereof having a diameter of about 20 .eta.m for
promoting the travel of water from the exterior of the tubes 30
into the interior of the tubes 30. The coating 30a is desirably a
ceramic porous coating. The tubes 30 with the coating 30a are
configured to stimulate capillary and osmotic action and function
as a molecular sieve to draw condensed water inward into the
interior of the tube 30.
A negative pressure and a lower temperature are desirably applied
to the interior of the tubes 30 to further enhance recovery of
drinking water. The negative pressure and reduction in temperature
may be accomplished as by flowing fluid (liquid or gas) through the
tubes 30, as indicated by arrow 32. For example, water having a
temperature of less than 50.degree. C. is flowed at a rate so as to
yield a pressure difference in the interior of the tubes 30 of
about 300 mbar lower than the pressure at the exterior of the tubes
30. The layer depth of the ceramic porous coating 30a is desirably
thicker than 5 .mu.m and the pores are desirably sized to have a
diameter of from 2 to 7 .eta.m.
The tubes 30 are shaped and spaced apart similar to the tubes 24 to
enhance surface area and improve yields. The tubes 30 are also
preferably wound in a helical cylinder inside the chamber section
20b. Water collecting on the outer surfaces of the tubes 30
migrates to the interior of the tubes 30 by negative pressure,
osmosis, and capillary action. Water accumulated on the interior of
the tubes 30 flows toward a recovery tank, as indicated by arrow
34, for collection and removal.
Accordingly, the system 10 will be understood to advantageously
divert, slow down, and cool a portion of the exhaust gases, and to
then remove water from such diverted and cooled gases to enhance
the recovery of drinking water from exhaust gases as compared to
conventional systems.
FIG. 2 shows additional features of a system 40 according to the
disclosure for recovering drinking water from exhaust gases.
Components of the system 40 common to the system 10 are indicated
by their references numbers as described in connection with the
system 10. For example, the system 40 includes a heat exchanger
radiator 42 to cool the recovered coolant fluid 26' to provide the
coolant fluid 26, a pump 44 for circulating the coolant fluid
through the radiator 42, and an electronically controlled pump 46
for controlling the flow rate of the coolant fluid 26 through the
second chamber 20b to control the exhaust gas temperature. In
circumstances in which the output of the pump 46 is less than the
output of the pump 44, a portion of the fluid 26 representing the
portion not output by the pump 46 is recirculated to the radiator
42 via conduits 48.
The system 40 also includes a recovery tank 50. Water accumulated
on the interior of the tubes 30 flows toward the recovery tank 50.
Control over the pressure differential to maintain a desired
negative pressure to facilitate migration of water collecting on
the outer surfaces of the tube 30a to migrate to the interior of
the tubes 30 and to travel to the recovery tank 50 is accomplished
by use of an electronically controlled pump 52 and pressure control
valve 54 and throttle 56. Withdrawal of drinking water from the
tank 50 is accomplished by use of an electronically controlled pump
58.
The foregoing description of preferred embodiments for this
disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and
description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or
variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The
embodiments are chosen and described in an effort to provide the
best illustrations of the principles of the disclosure and its
practical application, and to thereby enable one of ordinary skill
in the art to utilize the disclosure in various embodiments and
with various modifications as are suited to the particular use
contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the
scope of the disclosure as determined by the appended claims when
interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are
fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.
* * * * *